Seiko Introduce Three US-Exclusive Cold Water Prospex Divers

Seiko and Grand Seiko are on an absolute tear when it comes to regional exclusive models at the moment. First there was the Grand Seiko Katanas for America, then the Grand Seiko Autumn Dusk for Europe – comparing these watches I think America got the stronger watches. Following that, Seiko got in on the action with the European exclusive Prospex ‘Silfra’ watches inspired by Iceland and now completing the cycle, Seiko have launched a trio of US-exclusive Prospex diving watches based on famous diving locations. So, the question we must seek to answer is which side of the Atlantic received the cooler regional Prospexes?

The first of the watches is the SPB419, a watch based on the phenomenon of Michigan blue ice. On the map we’re looking squarely at the northern shores of the Great Lakes right on the border of Canada. Seasonal temperature changes result in slowly forming ice crystals in the water that allow light to shine deeply into them, creating a characteristic blue colouration to the ice.

It’s this colour that has been used for the dial of the watch with a slightly darker shade for the bezel. The dial’s texture is also ice-like but less extreme than Seiko’s previous glacier models, evoking the smoothness of lake ice.

Next is the US-exclusive Prospex Diver SPB421, a watch that takes us up to the cold glaciers of Alaska. The colourway is taken from the concept of a glacial moulin, a dark river of melt water running through the heart of a glacier. Frankly the idea of diving in one of these tunnels of ice sounds… horrific. Genuinely nightmare inducing. But, on the plus side, the watch is cool with a dark navy coloured ice effect dial.

Last but by no means least is the Prospex Diver SPB423 and like the SPB421, it’s all about those Alaskan glaciers. This one is a more traditional glacier style dial in a grey gradient, designed to evoke images of the ice river flowing over rock and stone. That aesthetic is emphasised by the black diving bezel.

In terms of specs, all three watches are based on the standard 1965 Divers Modern Re-interpretation from a few years ago. That means a 40.5mm diameter steel case featuring 200m water resistance with a sweeping curve from lug to lug. Inside is housed the 6R35 automatic calibre with 70-hour power reserve. It’s one of Seiko’s higher specification movements which is why the watches all cost $1,250.

It’s time to answer the question I set out in the introduction, who has the better regional exclusive Prospexes? Well, I think the Europeans win out this comparison for exactly the same reason that the Grand Seiko Katana is better than the Autumn Dusk. The Katanas are fresh and exciting while Autumn Dusk is essentially a recolour. Here we have three colourways of the same watch while the Silfra editions were completely original. That being said, I do like these watches a lot.

​Oracle Time 

Read More